Reuters/Ipsos Data: Core Political (09/26/2018)

The author(s)

Washington, D.C. - This week’s Reuters/Ipsos generic congressional ballot show Democrats (48%) with a 7-point lead over Republicans (41%) amongst all likely voters. Party members seem to be voting along party lines, with 92% of Democrat likely voters saying they would vote for the Democratic candidate and 87% of Republican likely voters saying they would vote for the Republican candidate. Independent likely voters prefer the Democrat candidate (40%) over the Republican candidate (26%).

Trump’s approval rates show minimal movement since last week, with 42% of Americans who approve of his performance. When it comes to specific issue areas, the public views Trump performing best on employment and jobs (52%), and the US economy (51%).

With the November midterm elections on the horizon, 52% of likely voters, 50% of Democrat likely voters, and 60% of Republican likely voters report that they approve of the way their Congressperson is handling their job as Representative. When it comes to Congress as a whole however, approval rates are much lower (22% of likely voters, 13% of Democrat likely voters, and 34% of Republican likely voters).

Many Americans (52%), and especially Democrat likely voters (82% vs. 23% of Republican likely voters), believe the country is off on the wrong track. When asked what they believe is the most important problem facing the US today, healthcare (17%), immigration (13%), and the economy generally (12%) remain the top answers amongst all Americans.

About this Study

These are findings from an Ipsos poll conducted for Thomson Reuters between September 19-25, 2018. For the survey, a sample of 2,953 Americans, including 1,425 likely voters, 642 Democrats, 587 Republicans, and 163 Independents ages 18+ were interviewed online. The precision of the Reuters/Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points for all adults, 3.0 percentage points for likely voters, 4.4 percentage points for Democrats, 4.6 percentage points for Republicans, and 8.8 percentage points for Independents. For more information about credibility intervals, please see the appendix.

The data were weighted to the U.S. current population data by gender, age, education, and ethnicity. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online non-probability polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Figures marked by an asterisk (*) indicate a percentage value of greater than zero but less than one half of one per cent. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. To see more information on this and other Reuters/Ipsos polls, please visit http://polling.reuters.com/.

The data were weighted to the U.S. current population data by gender, age, education, and ethnicity. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Figures marked by an asterisk (*) indicate a percentage value of greater than zero but less than one half of one per cent. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. To see more information on this and other Reuters/Ipsos polls, please visit http://polling.reuters.com/.

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research practice made up of seasoned professionals. We conduct strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research, but elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research.

Ipsos has media partnerships with the most prestigious news organizations around the world. In Canada, the U.S., UK, and internationally, Ipsos Public Affairs is the media polling supplier to Reuters News, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Ipsos Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research company. We provide boutique-style customer service and work closely with our clients, while also undertaking global research.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry.

With offices in 89 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media; customer loyalty; marketing; public affairs research; and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,780.5 million in 2017.